An Episcopal Cathedral on Billy Goat Hill
St. John's Cathedral sits on Cathedral Hill, the spot longtime Jacksonvillians still call Billy Goat Hill, in the heart of downtown Jacksonville. The limestone and stained-glass building at 256 East Church Street has been home to an Episcopal congregation since 1834 and the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida since 1951. Members describe themselves with two short phrases: a "vibrant and diverse congregation" that gathers for worship on Sunday and is "sent forth to love and serve the Lord." The dean, the Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll, preaches from a pulpit inside a sanctuary shaped by a long-running music program, while outside, ministries reach into the urban core through food pantries, partner schools, and outreach to neighbors experiencing homelessness.
From 1829 to Cathedral Status
The parish traces its roots to the first Episcopal service in Florida, held on the banks of the St. John's River in 1829. Five years later, in 1834, the first services were held on Billy Goat Hill, the physical location the cathedral still occupies. Since 1951, St. John's has served as the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Florida, and the dean carries that cathedral function alongside pastoral leadership of the parish.
Out of that long history came six nonprofit organizations that continue to shape downtown Jacksonville: The Cathedral Arts Project, Aging True, Cathedral Care, Episcopal School of Jacksonville, The Cathedral School, and Cathedral District - Jax. The cathedral's vision statement reflects that outward-facing spirit: "Through the heartbeat of our sacred worship, we bring together people of profound difference to serve God, to love and learn from one another." Its mission is to be "inspired by the love of Jesus," building "the kingdom of heaven here on earth, where differing people live in community, serving God and each other."
Sunday Mornings in the Sanctuary
Sunday is the cathedral's busiest day. Two principal services of Holy Eucharist are celebrated in the Cathedral Sanctuary using Rite II from the Book of Common Prayer.
The 8 a.m. service is a quiet, said liturgy without choir or special music and typically runs about 45 minutes. The 10:30 a.m. service runs about an hour and includes music from the Cathedral Choir and either the Gospel Singers or the Celebration Choir. The 10:30 a.m. service is livestreamed on YouTube, with the service leaflet posted in advance so worshipers can follow along online or at home.
At 9 a.m., the first Sunday of every month brings a casual Family Holy Eucharist in Ingram Lounge with a liturgy written for children. All other Sundays at 9 a.m. the Sunday Flex Café fills Ingram Lounge with breakfast and creative activities for children ages 4 through 5th grade, while the Dean's Forum meets in Taliaferro Hall with Dean Kate hosting seasonal topics and conversations.
At 1 p.m. in Cummings Chapel, Church Without Walls gathers for worship with neighbors experiencing homelessness, with occasional lunch support. Visitors will not be asked to stand or identify themselves. Visitor cards in each pew can be filled out for follow-up, and clergy greet people in the receiving line after the service. Communion is open to all baptized Christians, and those who prefer a blessing may come forward with arms crossed. Attire ranges from casual to business professional, and ushers will find a seat for anyone with special needs, including wheelchair or walker users.
The Music That Fills the Nave
Music is woven into the cathedral's identity. The Cathedral Choir is an auditioned ensemble of experienced vocalists modeled on English cathedral choirs; it sings every Sunday at the 10:30 a.m. service and at Evensong services throughout the year. The Celebration Choir, a volunteer ensemble directed by Lin Winney, sings at the 10:30 a.m. service twice a month, and the Gospel Singers round out the communion music with contemporary settings under Cedric Williams. Tim Tuller serves as Canon for Music, and Jennifer Meister is the assistant conductor.
Each week, Tim Tuller records a short video called "Notes on Service Music" that explains the prelude, offertory anthem, and postlude for the coming Sunday, giving context about the composers and the place of each piece in the liturgy.
The program extends well beyond Sunday. The cathedral hosts more than a dozen free concerts and music services each year, including a seasonal opera produced in partnership with Bold City Opera. A Great Organ anchors the cathedral's musical tradition, and the building's stained-glass nave windows inspired a four-part Advent lecture series on the Life of Christ windows by Dr. P. Scott Brown, a medieval art historian at the University of North Florida. A Taliaferro Hall Gallery inside the cathedral complex hosts rotating exhibitions by local artists, with the current season's work shaping a community art project called "Becoming Part of the Whole."
Weekday Worship and Online Prayer
Three weekday services anchor the cathedral's prayer rhythm. On Mondays, a Holy Eucharist is celebrated at 12:10 p.m. in Cummings Chapel. On Wednesdays, a Healing Service is held at 12:10 p.m. in the same chapel. On Thursdays, a Centering Prayer Circle gathers at 9:30 a.m. in the Dooly Library. Compline is prayed on Facebook Live every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday at 8 p.m., and Centering Prayer meets on Zoom on Mondays at 8 a.m.
Each morning, Dean Kate posts a short Morning Devotion video that walks through a Daily Office passage, a piece of sacred art, and a brief reflection. Subscribers receive the devotion in their inbox, and an archive of recent videos is available online. On Mondays from 6 to 7:15 p.m., Megan Cochran leads a free Contemplative Yoga session in Cummings Chapel that combines movement, breath, and reflection.
Kids at the Core: Children and Families
The Children and Families Ministry operates under the name "Kids at the Core" and is led by Felicia Bullock, Director of Children and Families Ministry and Chaplain to The Cathedral School.
Sunday mornings offer several options. The Hakimian Family Nursery, staffed by trained caregivers, welcomes children three months to four years from 9 a.m. until noon. From 9 to 10:15 a.m., the Sunday Flex Café in Ingram Lounge offers breakfast and creative activities for children ages 4 through 5th grade. On the first Sunday of every month, that hour becomes the Family Holy Eucharist. At the start of the 10:30 a.m. service, children gather at the font, walk in the opening procession, and head to classrooms for "Faith at the Core" formation; they return at The Peace and may receive a blessing at communion. Blessings Bags with quiet, age-appropriate activities are available during the 10:30 a.m. service.
Children's formation is organized by age. "Cornerstones" nurtures infants through toddlers with gentle care and Bible story songs. "Foundations" uses the Godly Play approach for preschool and early elementary children, an imaginative Montessori-style method that lets children explore faith through play and storytelling. "Bridges" serves older elementary students with scripture discussion, hands-on service projects, and leadership opportunities. Creation Keepers introduces children to environmental stewardship through monthly meetings during the Flex Café and a summer program. The cathedral states that leaders are specially trained to support children with focus, self-regulation, and varying needs, and that families are partners in the journey.
Youth Formation
Middle and high school youth meet every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in the Youth Room under the leadership of Megan Cochran, Director of Youth Ministries. Each gathering begins with the morning's readings and an opening check-in, then moves into small-group reflection, and closes with prayer. Volunteers have completed safeguarding training. Beyond Sunday mornings, the youth group travels for pizza nights, off-site outings, and service projects, and joins peers from across the Diocese of Florida for retreats at Camp Weed.
Adult Formation: Forums, Bible Study, and Discipleship Groups
Adult formation at the cathedral is shaped by the motto "Formation for Transformation" and led by Owene Courtney, Director of Formation.
Sunday mornings feature the Dean's Forum at 9 a.m. in Taliaferro Hall, where Dean Kate hosts seasonal conversations; recent series have explored "Stories of Our Faith" and themes from the parish's broader Becoming Whole initiative. On Tuesdays at 7:30 a.m. and again at noon, Father Tom and Father Mark co-teach a Bible study called "Wholeness in Jesus" in Taliaferro Hall, with coffee and donuts at the early hour and a light lunch at midday. Wednesdays at 10 a.m. bring "Growing through the Word," a Bible study led by Deacon Saundra.
Several small Discipleship Groups meet during the week, providing space for members to read scripture together and pray for one another. Other formation offerings include Sacred Ground, a dialogue series on race and faith; Green Spirits, a creation-care ministry that plans outings and educational events; the Center for Wellbeing, a space for pausing, reflecting, and reconnecting; and adult education classes held in Taliaferro Hall.
The Season of Creation and Becoming Whole
Each September and October, the cathedral joins Christians around the world in observing the Season of Creation, a period of prayer, education, and action for the care of God's creation. Recent seasons have included a film series, a documentary screening about the Everglades, conversations with environmental advocates from St. Johns Riverkeeper and the Sierra Club, and a Taizé prayer service under a giant Earth globe installed in the nave. The globe is part of "Becoming Whole," the cathedral's parish-wide theme that has shaped recent Dean's Forum conversations, sermons, and a community art project called "Becoming Part of the Whole." Other Season of Creation activities include a Pet Blessing Under the Globe, a Soul Gardening writing circle, a Movie Night Under the Stars in the Bishop's Garden, and a Blessing of the Animals service.
Children participate in Creation Keepers, and adult members tend the cathedral's gardens as part of the Lay Weeders volunteer team. Green Spirits plans outings and informative gatherings throughout the year for those interested in creation care.
First-Time Visitors
Visitors driving into downtown Jacksonville for the first time will find parking options around the cathedral. The St. John's Cathedral lot, an unpaved lot at the corner of Church and Market with its entrance on Ashley Street, is reserved for the parish, and the Diocese of Florida lot on Market Street and the paved Cathedral Hill lot on Newnan Street offer additional spaces. The Cathedral School lot on Market Street is open before and after services, and street parking surrounding Cathedral Park is free on Saturdays and Sundays. Two spots along Cathedral Park are marked for first-time visitors.
The main entrance to the cathedral is through the wrought-iron gates on Market Street, with a second entrance facing Duval Street. A wheelchair- and walker-accessible ramp is available at the entrance facing Cathedral Park. Ushers can supply hearing-assistance devices and large-print hymnals. Service leaflets are posted online in advance of each service for those who wish to follow along from home.
Serve in Worship, at the Cathedral, and Beyond
Serving is woven into cathedral life. In worship, lay volunteers serve as acolytes, lectors, ushers, greeters, Eucharistic ministers, flower guild members, sanctuary guild members, and bell-ringers. The Live Stream and Audio-Visual Team supports the broadcast of services.
Outside the liturgy, members serve on the Archives Ministry, the Art Exhibitions volunteers in the Taliaferro Hall Gallery, the Brotherhood of St. Andrew (a men's ministry focused on prayer, study, and service), Daughters of the King (a women's prayer and service order), the Lay Weeders garden team, the Handyman Team, the Photography Team (Shutter Bugs), the Front Desk Volunteers, and the Flower Delivery team, which takes Sunday altar flowers to homebound parishioners and those in the hospital.
Outreach beyond the cathedral walls runs deep. The cathedral hosts regular blood drives with LifeSouth, organizes a Christmas Angel Tree for children in foster care, and staffs Lunch Angels for Church Without Walls. Members support Cuba Outreach for the partner cathedral of the Holy Trinity in Havana, collect and deliver groceries to The Market at St. Mary's food pantry, host Family Promise families experiencing homelessness several times a year, package meals during Hunger Fight, knit prayer shawls, and lead Morning Prayer each Sunday at NorthBank Center for Rehabilitation and Healing.
Life Events: Baptism, Confirmation, Weddings, Funerals
The cathedral walks with members through the major milestones of life. Infant baptism welcomes children into the body of Christ with a preparation class and a run-through with godparents. Adults are prepared through the Catechumenate, a journey of learning about the Christian faith in the Episcopal tradition. In the Episcopal Church, baptism is celebrated during a Sunday worship service, with the whole congregation promising to support the person being baptized.
Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation mark deeper commitments to the faith and the cathedral community. Weddings are scheduled in the cathedral's sanctuary; the cathedral does not hold weddings during Lent or the week before Christmas. Couples do not need to be members, though clergy encourage couples to attend worship during marriage preparation and consider joining the community.
Funerals and memorial services at St. John's reflect the cathedral's belief in God's promise of renewal and completion. Clergy can be reached at the cathedral office to arrange services.
The Bookstore, the Stained Glass, and the Bishop's Garden
The St. John's Cathedral Bookstore and Gift Shop, managed by Kathryn Bissette, is open for in-person shopping and online ordering through Bookshop.org. The cathedral publishes the Cathedral Quarterly as a print and digital publication of parish life.
Within the cathedral itself, stained-glass windows tell the story of faith through the nave. A separate preservation effort has been launched to care for the historic stained glass in Cummings Chapel on Duval Street, where ongoing restoration work is supported through the Preservation Fund. The Taliaferro Hall Gallery hosts rotating exhibitions by local artists, and the cathedral's archives are preserved by a dedicated Archives Ministry. The Bishop's Garden provides an outdoor setting for parish events, and the Great Organ anchors the cathedral's musical tradition. The Preservation Fund, established in 1986, exists exclusively for the ongoing care of the cathedral property and grounds.
The People Who Lead
The Very Rev. Kate Moorehead Carroll serves as Dean of the cathedral. The Rev. Canon Mark S. Anderson is the Vicar. The Rev. Deacon Saundra Kidd is the Deacon. The Rev. Thomas O'Dell serves as Associate Priest for Welcome and Engagement, and The Rev. Dr. Linda Privitera serves as Associate Priest. Ed Daniels is the Seminarian-in-Residence.
Ministry directors lead specific areas of cathedral life: Felicia Bullock is Director of Children and Families Ministry and Chaplain to The Cathedral School; Megan Cochran is Director of Youth Ministries; Tim Tuller is Canon for Music; Cedric Williams is Director of Gospel Music; Lin Winney is Director of the Celebration Choir; Pam Searcy is Director of Worship and Development; Linda O'Dell is Director of Welcome and Engagement; and Owene Courtney is Director of Formation. The cathedral is governed by a Vestry and Councils.
Giving, Pledges, and the Preservation Fund
Members support the cathedral's ministry through pledges, one-time gifts, and several other giving options. Online giving is processed through Realm, with designated funds for the general budget, pledges, altar flowers, and the Preservation Fund. Checks may be mailed to the cathedral office at 256 East Church Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. The Legacy Society accepts planned gifts made during life, by bequest, or on a deferred basis, many of which offer significant tax benefits. Gifts of stock and direct IRA distributions are also accepted, with stock transfer instructions available through the cathedral's bookkeeper at TRUIST.
The Preservation Fund, founded in 1986, exists exclusively for the ongoing care of the cathedral property and grounds, including a recent stained-glass window restoration project. The Eagle is the parish's weekly newsletter, and the St. John's Cathedral app is available for download on smartphones. Pastoral Care is offered through clergy and chaplains who visit the hospital daily, and a prayer request form is available online for confidential pastoral needs.